Port Arthur: The Russo-Japanese War (1992)

About this game

Port Arthur is a simulation of the ground campaign of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05, contained in issue #19 of Command Magazine. Included in the game are 10 pages of rules, a 22" x 34" mapsheet, and 101 counters. Victory points are awarded for causing enemy casualties, and for control of Liaoyang, Mukden, and Port Arthur (which is worth 2 points). At the beginning of the game the Russian player will be receiving 4 points per turn, so it is imperative for the Japanese player to be aggressive. At the end of 10 complete turns, the player with the higher total, wins.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.1/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.